Jambo! Welcome to Animal Kingdom Lodge! This deluxe resort will transport you from the hustle and bustle of the parks to a relaxing oasis, home to over 30 species of African animals. Strolling through the property, you’ll find giraffe, zebras, and ostrich roaming about, and you may even see some interesting animal care — like live feedings with the pelicans!

Speaking of feedings — the BEST day at Animal Kingdom Lodge starts with breakfast at Boma. This all-you-care-to-enjoy buffet style breakfast offers deliciously unique dishes like turkey bobotie, pap, oak-grilled tomatoes and asparagus, ancient grain berry salad, and pecan praline sticky buns along with your standard morning fare like scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, pancakes, and — of course — Mickey waffles (and Simba too!).

My personal favorite is the pap (kind of like African grits) with the roasted tomatoes right on top, some asparagus, oven roasted turkey, and some scrambled eggs with veggies. Oh boy! I am ready for a full day of fun after a scrumptious meal like this.

To cap off an immersive day, check out the Starlight Safari. This nighttime excursion through the seven (yes, seven!) savannas on property will give you a unique look at the animal life at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Learn from a knowledgeable guide, and get an inside peek at how this exciting location operates.